Pakistan is set to induct its first Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarine in 2026 as part of a $5 billion agreement with China for the delivery of eight advanced submarines by 2028. The deal represents a major milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its naval fleet and strengthen maritime defense capabilities.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf praised the Chinese-built platforms, describing them as reliable, cutting-edge, and fully aligned with the Pakistan Navy’s operational requirements. Under the agreement, four submarines will be constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built in Pakistan — a move expected to significantly enhance local shipbuilding capacity and technical expertise.
This strategic collaboration reflects Pakistan’s deepening defense partnership with Beijing, which now extends beyond conventional military hardware to include cooperation in artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and next-generation naval technologies. The induction of the Hangor-class submarines will not only improve Pakistan’s underwater warfare capabilities but also mark a major step toward achieving greater self-reliance in defense production.
